About the Editor

Carlos da Silva Campos.

Professional journalist, with background on the economical press and Packaging Editor since 1982, heading independent magazines REVIPACK (packaging), REVIPLAST (plastics) and REVIPROJECT (automation).
Lawyer since 1984 and and Packaging Consultant since 1986, working for several industry associations related to packaging and recycling. Honorary Member of IPPO - the International Packaging Press Organisation. Served as Vice-President (1996-1999) and Chairman (1999-2002).

Digital print for packaging is worth $13.2 billion in 2017, and will climb to $23.2 billion in 2022, according to the latest research from Smithers Pira, The Future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2022 . The demand for inkjet and electrophotography print in packaging will see an 11.2% annual increase in value across the forecast period (2017-2022) and annual 15.4%growth in volume output (A4 sheets equivalent) – up from 163 billion A4 sheets (equivalent) in 2017 to 334 billion in 2022. This reflects the arrival of new higher throughput equipment. Penetration for digital print technology is not uniform – the labels sector is the early adopter and mature in some regions. Consequently future expansion will rest heavily on less-developed packaging formats principally, including corrugated board, folding cartons and flexible plastics. In 2017, the mainstream corrugated sector has a real appetite for high-volume inkjet liner and postprint systems, to provide new functions and gain plant efficiencies. Implementation is being led by some of the largest companies in the corrugated sector – as well as by more agile independents – leading to the arrival of new dedicated equipment that will enable volume production at a much more economical price. For more information on this report, please contact Julie Bostock.

Economic, lifestyle changes and the focus on sustainable packaging will drive market growth by 5.4% annually during the period 2016-21 to $44.8 billion, according to a new report by Smithers Pira. In "The Future of Labels and Release Liners to 2021" Smithers Pira’s analysis shows label market growth is being driven by economic, social, demographic and lifestyle changes, brand owners’ increasing focus on source reduction and sustainable packaging, consumer demand for convenience food, and the growing presence of large retail chains. Label market demand is also being driven by the relatively low cost with which labelling can be replaced or changed; and a continuing need for barcodes and other secondary packaging applications that support food safety and pharmaceutical compliance issues.

Drinks markets are dominating label consumption; alcoholic drinks are the main end-use market for labels, accounting for a projected 27.5% share of global label consumption in 2016. The alcoholic drinks market growth is supported by the booming hospitality and tourism industries in large cities, the influence of western culture on young people in emerging economies, and increasing disposable incomes among the growing middle class in Asia.

“The outlook for label market growth will be negatively influenced by an expectation of moderate global economic growth over the forecast period.” states Dan Rogers, head of publishing at Smithers Pira. “The emerging and developing economies are forecast to grow at twice the rate of advanced countries and offer the best opportunities for label market growth.”

The growing trend for sustainability in packaging and labelling means linerless labelling systems are gaining in popularity, because they eliminate the need for non-recyclable release liners, and the absence of backing material means that reel changes are quicker and easier. Linerless technology also provides full-colour, high-end graphics, together with the option to print on the back of the label for promotional, coupon and instructional applications. Linerless labels also eliminate waste and reduce cost associated with label production.

For more information about this report, click HERE or sent an email to Julie Bostock.

Transparent barrier films are replacing traditional materials such as flexible foil for various applications due to consumer demand for packaging transparency, feasibility and use of metal detectors and microwave ovens. According to The Future of Transparent Barrier Films versus Barrier Foil to 2021 – a new report from Smithers Pira, global demand for transparent barrier films is forecast to grow at an annual average rate of 3.9% reaching 1.9 million tonnes in 2021. Apparent consumption of flexible aluminium foil packaging is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 2.5% per year reaching almost 3.0 million tonnes by 2021.

Global packaging sales are estimated to worth 797 billion (thousand million) USD in 2013 and forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 4% to 2018, according to a new market report by Smithers Pira (UK). These and many other estimastes and forecasts can be found in The Future of Global Packaging to 2018 a report now available.